Page 266 - Fine Chinese Art Bonhams London May 2018

281 Y
A RHINOCEROS HORN ‘ROCKY CLIFF’ LIBATION CUP The present libation cup is solely carved in relief with a mountainous
17th century
Carved as a section of a rocky cliff scattered with bamboo stalks and landscape scene devoted to the craggy overhanging cliffs, prunus,
narcissus flowers borne on craggy rockwork, the handle formed with bamboo, and orchids, invoking the idealistic nature retreat which the
a section of rocky outcrop and a gnarled tree branch issuing prunus literati would aspire to retire to. This design is more unusual than those
flowers, extending to the interior, the horn of an honey-amber tone. also decorated with sages and attendants.
10.6cm (4 1/2in) long
Similar treatment of the carving of the plum blossoms can be found
on another rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th century, illustrated by
£20,000 - 30,000 T.Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong
CNY180,000 - 270,000 Kong, 1999, p.163, no.112. A related libation cup carved as a rocky
cliff, but with chrysanthemums, is illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of
十七世紀 犀角峭壁梅枝紋盃 Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.163, no.201.

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
258 | BONHAMS please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.